Raw food substitutions

Here is a raw food substitution list that you may find comes in handy.

It's preferable to have everything on your raw food diet shopping list before you attempt to make a recipe. But of course sometimes substitutions are necessary because you might not have all the right raw food ingredients on hand.

I almost always substitute cashews for macadamia nuts (and vice versa) depending on what's on sale at my local health food store. For example, I've made raw alfredo sauce and raw mayonnaise with both cashews or macadamia nuts because both nuts are very creamy and oily. If interested in nut substitutions you may also find this podcast about nut substitutions useful.

Your Comments

Top voted

Hi there...I am brand spankin' new to eating raw and am toying with the idea of becoming a member of your site. Whenever I talk to other people about my sojourn into vegan and raw foods, they often mention that I would probably gain weight beacause of the prevalence of nuts, seeds, avocadoes, coconuts and the like, that are commonly used in raw 'uncooking'. Do you have to monitor closely how many nuts you
are consuming...or even dates for that matter? Just concerned because my health AND my body image matter to me:). Any thoughts?

All

I was just wondering what you could use as a substitute for dates as this seems to appear as a main/base ingredient in a lot of sweet raw recipes? And also what the ratio of dates:substitute item would be?

Hi Hannah! It definitely depends on the recipe, and in general I don't recommend substituting.. (I recommend looking for a recipe that works for you with all ingredients as written.)

That being said, raisins and dried prunes are excellent substitutions for dates. For example, in a raw pie crust using raisins or dried prunes instead is totally fine. Generally, dried prunes are a bit more moist than raisins.

Hi there...I am brand spankin' new to eating raw and am toying with the idea of becoming a member of your site. Whenever I talk to other people about my sojourn into vegan and raw foods, they often mention that I would probably gain weight beacause of the prevalence of nuts, seeds, avocadoes, coconuts and the like, that are commonly used in raw 'uncooking'. Do you have to monitor closely how many nuts you
are consuming...or even dates for that matter? Just concerned because my health AND my body image matter to me:). Any thoughts?

Hi Staci, great question. That is right up there with "Where do you get your protein" for top questions that people will ask you :)
In short, it's all about balance. It's important to have some delicious treats that we raw vegans can enjoy when craving something exciting and fun. But just because we use the occasional nut-dense recipe, like raw cheesecake or alfredo sauce, that doesn't mean that that's all we eat. I eat many many nut-free meals, like green smoothies in the morning, lovely salads and creative veggie-based entrees, raw soups and more. The trick is to eat a balance of all the good things. Plus, once one is in-tune with one's body, there are days where you feel like eating something very light, whereas other days you'll want something a little heartier. It's all about listening to what your body needs. But I am sure I am preaching to the choir here.
When others ask somewhat critical questions, it usually says more about them than it does about us.
If you are mindful of your body image, I am sure that you will find the right balance.
:)

Hi Robin, great questions!
Here is the cheap food processor that I own - it gets bad reviews on Amazon but it's cheap and it's the one I've been using for almost 4 years! I don't have a problem recommending it, it's the Black and Decker Quick and Easy: http://tinyurl.com/avdwva4
Other recommended appliances here: www.therawtarian.com/appliances
For nuts it does depend on your location for shipping, but you can try nuts.com for untoasted unsalted
Hope this helps!

I love your website. You are so knowledgeable and I am so grateful you are sharing your talents with us all.
I wanted to know where you buy your nuts. I recently bought raw almonds in a group buy, but didn't buy nearly enough.
What do you suggest?
And could you please direct me to where I would find a list of appliances that you use?
I have a blend tech but I need a new food processor.
Thanks
Robin
Not sure How I will see your response. Could you kindly also respond to: tastefullyyoursrobin@gmail.com Thank you so very much.

This information is not intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified health care professional and is not intended as medical advice. I encourage you to make your own health care decisions based upon your research and in partnership with like-minded, qualified health care professional(s). I wish you success on your raw journey!

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